It is a known fact that Nepal harbors some of the tallest mountains in the world, including the tallest of all, Everest at 8,848 meters. Altogether there are eight out of fourteen tallest mountains, and it is pretty obvious that base camps of these peaks have established themselves as an epitome of beauty, exhilaration, and adventure.
Base Camps are usually known as a starting point for mountaineering expedition, but they are also a great destination for having fun and getting experience with new environment and people.
Located at the foot of a mountain, base camps are typically the end of long winding footpath and the beginning of ropes and crampons. But, since trekking started to gain popularity as a recreational sport, base camps have become a center of attraction to adventure and nature lovers.
Nepal, the home of Himalayas certainly has some of the best trekking trails in the world which are marked by beauty and grace of nature and people living there. Also, unarguably the way to these base camps is challenging taking you to a remote and distant place, but they also possess the unseen beauty of spectacular mountains and distinctive lifestyle and tradition.
Nepal has everything in the menu that severs in your best interest, be it tough and long trek to Everest Base Camp or accessible and short trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp, it is guaranteed that you will be feeling blissful. The choice is on you depending on your trekking experience, skills, physical state and how much of adventurer you are. To help you out here are some of the popular base camps in Nepal from where you can choose to embark towards the ultimate glory.
Everest Base Camp
Well, how can the base camp towering peak of the world not come in this list? As the name suggests, Everest Base Camp is the base camp of Everest which ranges at an altitude of 5,364 meters.
The trek to the base camp of Everest is one of the most sought-after and most popular treks in the world. It is easily in the list of every adventure-lover, and the reason can’t be more obvious.
Everest Base Camp is famous not just for the supreme peak, but also for the beauty it holds from the moment you sit on a plane flying to Lukla and experience the alpine landscapes views along with some of the iconic peaks. Khumbu is another reason this trek is so special. From the quaint settlement in traditionally built houses to the monasteries exhibiting an excellent architectural skill, Khumbu worth every bit of your effort.
Kala Patthar at 5,550 meters is a famous viewpoint from where Everest can be viewed more closely. Although it takes some extra physical challenge to scale towards viewpoint, you won’t get disappointed for sure.
Read more about Everest Base Camp: attractions, best time, permits, difficulty, and general overview.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Kanchenjunga Base Camp sits at the base of the third tallest mountain in the world Kanchenjunga, at an elevation of 5,143 meters. The trek is best for adventure-enthusiast who are interested in remote and isolated trails. You can also call this treks as virgin beauty, as due to its remote location and difficulty has Kanchenjunga is not much explored by trekkers.
The trek will be a new experience for trekkers as it takes place in the eastern part of Nepal which is not really a tourist hub. Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a circuit trek that includes a visit to Pathibhara temple, one of the most sacred sites for Hindu pilgrims. The journey is very pleasing and astounding given to want unfolds in trails. The trails are tranquil and full of scenic beauty going in northwards direction to Ghumsa form where it takes to the base camp.
Even after the base camp, the thrill doesn’t stop, as you will get past two passes and continue to Yalung Base Camp at 4,500 meters after which we get back to Taplejung, the starting point of this trek.
Another interesting thing about the trek is Kanchenjunga Conservation Area which is managed by local communities in partnership with WWF. It is a remarkable example of sustainable development with community involvement.
Know more about Kanchenjunga Base Camp: fitness and experience, acclimatization, best time to visit and a general overview of whole trek.
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is another popular trekking destination that witnesses a large throng of trekkers. Located at an elevation of 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp takes you along the route of tenth tallest mountain of the world, Annapurna (8,091 meters).
It is also the first commercial trekking route in Nepal welcoming outdoor enthusiast from all over the world for over 50 years. The very starting point of the trek is Pokhara which is known for its exquisite beauty and mesmerizing lakes, just guess the beautiful surprises it holds further.
Reaching the base camp you will be bestowed with an excellent view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Annapurna Fang, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and several other peaks of Annapurna massif.
Annapurna Conservation Area is the protected area in Annapurna range which obviously includes Annapurna I. Also, Annapurna Conservation Area Project in Annapurna region is a standout project of Nepal with an objective of conservation of natural resources, sustainable socio-economic development, and sustainable tourism management.
Gather more information on Annapurna Base Camp: attractions, best time, difficulty and general overview.
Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Dhaulagiri I, the seventh tallest mountain at 8,167 meters is a challenging adventure, but Dhaulagiri Base Camp in itself is a glory to yearn for. The base camp sits at an elevation 4,750 meters offering a majestic view of mountains around.
The base camp trek is a challenging journey with high passes, remote settlements and rich biodiversity giving you an opportunity to encounter one. Red panda, leopards, musk deer, Himalayan thar are some of wildlife which has a high chance of you seeing them.
French pass at 5,360 meters and Thapa pass at 5,200 meters are most challenging part of trek which is certainly strenuous and demands some mountaineering skills. Another beautiful part of Dhaulagiri trek is the settlement of diverse ethnic groups like Magar, Gurung, and Thakali, who has been living exhibiting authentic and traditional lifestyle.
Know more about Dhaulagiri Base Camp: permits, difficulty, and acclimatization, best time for visit and a general overview of the trek.
Mardi Himal Base Camp
Mardi Himal Base Camp lies at an elevation of 4,500 meters in east of one of the most popular trek in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp. Walked by only few trekkers, Mardi Himal Base Camp trek can be referred as a hidden gem of trekking category.
The trek is an interesting journey taking you along small winding paths, through verdant rhododendron forest until you climb out of forest at an elevation of around 3,300 meters. Gradually you will enter into a rugged high mountain landscape with a mesmerizing view of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. Moving on in this trek you will arrive at High camp (3,580 meters) form where it takes only about 3-4 hours to reach base camp.
The exceptional trek to Mardi Himal Base camp starts from Pokhara and takes only eight to complete it. It is perfect for nature lovers who want a remarkable journey in a short time and has no trekking experience.
Get more information on Mardi Himal Trek: attractions, best time for visit, difficulty and necessary items for trek.
